How It Works

Why It Is Used

How Well It Works

Anticonvulsant medicine may relieve chronic pain for some people but not others.1 One type of anticonvulsant may work better for you than another. This type of medicine is not well studied as a chronic pain treatment but is considered a reasonable treatment option.

Side Effects

When prescribed for chronic pain control, anticonvulsants are used at doses low enough to avoid side effects, and the dosage is usually increased very gradually, if needed. Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on anticonvulsants and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take anticonvulsant medicine should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take anticonvulsant medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Anticonvulsants are not safe for everyone. To avoid side effects, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any other medicines you are taking. You may already be taking one or more drugs to treat other problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Be sure your doctor knows all the drugs you are taking.

References

Citations

Chou R, Huffman LH (2007). Medications for acute and chronic low back pain: A review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 147(7): 505–514.

Credits

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics

Last Revised

December 14, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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